Dave's Tiger I (Early) Kit Build Thread

[Dave Goodwin]

Thanks for the drawing, and theoretically that's what I would have expected - a bit of thread through the nut. Sadly, that's not what I am seeing. Here's what I have:

The photo may appear as if there is enough length protruding but there is not. When tightened, it doesn't even make it halfway through the nut. I can solve the length issue easily enough by just buying longer bolts and cutting them flush to the nut. I have no tools with which to bring the fastener flush to the deck or, better, below the deck slightly so the screw can be hidden. Looking at the local shops today, it seems all the countersink tools I can buy locally are made for woodworking, not metal. Does this look like the appropriate tool? https://www.mcmaster.com/28145A72/

I also tried popping an M3 into the hole. That sits down in there nicely but seems a bit thin. I don't know that I could trust it with the weight of the turret. Anyone done that?

[Adrian Harris]

You'll probably find that if you countersink the hole to the correct depth, there's enough thread to engage the nut properly.

I use Ruko countersink bits, which have three cutting edges and don't chatter like other ones I have used.

Adrian.

[Donald Suttie]

I have used this set on my build from the
beginning and find it great
you can also use the bits in a drill to speed things up with caution

Csk hand drill set

[Dave Goodwin]

Thanks fellas. Have ordered some tools and will wait until they arrive to continue.

[Donald Suttie]

The Countersink bits come in handy to level the underside of the tank,i originally used the supplied hex bolts but after a quick test run found the hex bolts started to pick up long grass and dirt
so i ordered countersink bolts and replaced and filled the holes which is so much nicer a look

Donald

[Dave Goodwin]

Thanks for that tool link Donald. I bought that set and it does indeed work quite nicely. I may think about countersinking those lower hull bolts too. I wondered if they might be snag spots. Sounds like they can be...

[Dave Goodwin]

OK, need a bit of advice. Which of the Loctites would you experienced guys recommend for bonding the nylon-type bushings for the gun recoil into the aluminum parts? It isn't metal-to-metal but nor is it metal-to-rubber. I was going to use the 480 but then decided I should ask...

Thanks!

[Derek Attree]

Hi Dave
I use deluxe materials Super Cyrillic for that as not had
much luck using loctite for the nylon bush.

But others may know better .

Regards Derek

[Dave Goodwin]

I noticed while assembling the gun barrel to the turret mantlet that when firmly screwed together on both ends, the muzzle brake is not horizontal. There is no adjustment for this that I can see. Do you simply not tighten it completely on the turret end, and rely on LocTite to hold it? It doesn't appear that you would want to leave it loose on the muzzle end, as that would leave a visible gap in the joint between brake and barrel.

What have others done here?

Thanks!

[Donald Suttie]

Funny Enough i came across this too,i think the solution is to screw the barrel together,and fully tighten the muzzle break,and 'balance' the recoil threaded thing so it is straight,but before you loctite it read below
but while on this subject make sure you do not paint the barrel threads before assembly as i had a nightmare,when i had accidentally let some paint on the threads,i found that i managed to jam both barrel sections where they would not fully tighten nor would the unscrew
i ended up spending quite some time easing the threads with a blowtorch,lots of release oil and a couple of very sore hands
i did manage to get there in the end but had to cut off about 5mm of damaged thread
save yourself any issues by masking the threads to avoid this mistake!

all the best
Donald

[Dave Goodwin]

Thanks Donald. I will actually be masking off the rear part of the barrel that is inside the nylon bushing, painting only about 1mm inside that point so as to not have any bare metal visible but not painting any areas that have to slide or engage threads. Glad you were able to get yours freed up. I don't particularly like that the threads into the barrel will have no torque on them and only be held by glue. Seems like a reliability problem waiting to happen. Guess we'll see...

[Dave Goodwin]

I don't seem to see any instructions for the installation of the main gun LED. How do you all like to install that into the barrel? Does it protrude into the muzzle brake, or end up just inside the barrel end? How do you keep it in place over time?

Thanks!